Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Unleashes Puppet Episode with Henson Magic
The crew of the USS Enterprise has gone full felt. Per Collider, the latest season of "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds" features an episode where the entire cast is portrayed by puppets built by the Jim Henson Company.
The episode, titled "Level-Five Transporter Accident," was a massive logistical undertaking. Co-showrunner Henry Alonso Meyers told the outlet that it required 14 puppeteers, a rebuilt captain's chair to accommodate them, and extensive planning with director Jordan Canning.
Meyers explained that the team wanted to fully commit to the concept, not just do a "slight version." He described the episode as a deliberate mash-up for fans of both Star Trek and the Muppets, using a transporter mishap as the plot device.
Co-showrunner Akiva Goldsman also teased the season finale, noting it will play with time in a story that nods to a classic "Star Trek: The Next Generation" installment.
The puppet episode aims for broad appeal, with Meyers stating their goal was to reach both longtime Trekkies and newcomers. The installment includes sight gags and a brief romantic subplot, all performed by the fabric crew.
